THE vanishing cycle paths of Manchester are a cause of concern for many using pedal power, says cycling commuter Sarah Hartley.

Paths around the city often set off well enough, with an official-looking blue sign advising of the destination.

But they soon become roads to nowhere - often leaving the cyclist stranded in the middle of heavy traffic without warning. Even more baffling, there is even a cyclepath at the Chester Road traffic island on the Mancunian Way which careers into a developer's hoarding.

Add constant pressure from congested bus lanes, as in Oxford Road; dozy pedestrians who seem to think a cyclepath is a place to stroll; and motorists who seem to think the gutter is a place to drive; and a cyclists' lot can be an unhappy one.

I have more or less given up on the cycle paths, in favour, wherever possible, of a 200-year-old solution - canal towpaths.

Manchester is blessed with a fantastic network of towpaths where cycling is allowed, no diesel engines, aggressive drivers or Kamikaze pedestrians. Just watch for the geese. Tweet